If we take a closer look at the economic landscape, it’s easy to see that the last couple of years have been heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the trends were already there, many of the actions taken by both businesses and individuals were rushed. 

Let’s take the use of technology to allow remote work as an example. Many small and medium-sized businesses were not prepared for this move and did not have the proper IT support specialists to provide guidance and find solutions. This led to a series of security gaps, data breaches, and an overall unprecedented state of confusion.

But what exactly does it mean to have access to a reliable IT support specialist nowadays? Startup and small business owners may fear the idea of hiring the services of an IT support company because this may put a strain on their budget.

However, unless you can afford to grow and maintain your own team of IT specialists, outsourcing is the best answer when it comes to keeping your business safe.

Work with a Local IT Support Partner

IT support is quite a broad term, but businesses today employ a wide range of technologies, which is why they need access to various types of IT specialists.

An IT support company employs or has expert collaborators from various technology-related fields, so whenever there’s a problem, they can respond with the right people. 

However, even if you can receive guidance and even assistance remotely, it’s best to have a reliable IT support partner that’s located nearby your headquarters. This way, in case of an emergency that requires on-site presence, you will be easy to reach. 

For instance, businesses located in the San Francisco area can benefit from having a local provider like USWired nearby.

How About Data Security?

When you outsource your IT services, you receive a wide range of services that usually include system maintenance and updates, guidance regarding your network and backup schedule, and more (depending on each contract).

So, how does this help enhance data security?

Choose a Reliable Provider

When you choose the company to outsource your IT needs to, make sure to select a partner who understands the need for proper cybersecurity solutions.

A business that employs IT specialists must have a solid cybersecurity policy with a multi-layered system that prevents prying eyes from breaking in. Plus, they need protocols that diminish the chance of human error and the damage it may produce. 

Work with Cybersecurity Specialists

Setting up remote access networks or investing in tools that allow remote communication with business partners and employees is a must-have nowadays. However, because so many businesses take these actions lightly, the number of data breaches and attacks has increased. 

Therefore, it’s important to work with an IT support partner that can also provide guidance and assistance in cybersecurity matters. They can also help set up a secure network at the headquarters and create a healthy cyber-security policy. It’s also a good idea to ask them for training (in-person or online) for your employees.

Control the Flow of Information 

When you outsource a service such as IT support, you are in control of the amount of information you share (they usually work on a must-know basis). This limits any accidental sharing of confidential documents and helps protect both customers’ data and your employee’s information. 

Plus, if you have a solid sharing policy, it’s easy to keep track of the flow of information when working with an outsourcing partner. This way, if an attack does happen, you can limit the damages by creating a segmentation of how the data is shared and stored.

Wrap Up

Unless you plan on a rapid expansion that requires building solid internal teams, outsourcing IT services can be a great way to get access to quality professionals without endangering your budget. It’s also a great way to increase your IT security and focus your attention on other important aspects of the business.